(This post is the 32nd of what will be approximately 70 posts following 820th anniversary highlights of what history now calls the “Third Crusade.” My novel, The Swords of Faith, tells the story of this legendary clash between Richard the Lionheart and Saladin.)

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820 ago today, the first installment of the Acre ransom was brought to Richard’s representatives. But specific prisoners of rank were not produced, as Richard’s representatives believed they had negotiated. Saladin’s representatives asked for some of the Acre prisoners to be released, in exchange for the first installment. The Christian envoys declined, as all the terms of the first installment had not been met. They warned Saladin’s representatives that the Acre hostages were in jeopardy if the terms of the first installment were not met completely. Saladin’s representatives suggested some alternative approaches involving partially met terms and exchanges of hostages to assure mutual performances. It is unclear if those suggestions were passed on or not. Both sides left this contact unsatisfied. The first installment of the ransom was not paid. The Acre hostages were not released. The consequences would lead to one of the most controversial events of the “Third Crusade.”